Upgrade or replace..

[Chescadence]

Sorry another Triban 3 related post..

Anyway, as everyone knows the wheels need to be replaced on the T3 after not that long; the only real weakness of the T3.

Now then, I'm happy to replace them but what would you do as far as the other components? There's two paths to go down:

A) Wait for things to wear and replace with the cheapest available stuff and then upgrade to a new bike and keep this as the winter trainer.
B) Upgrade the parts as you go, group-set, shifters etc etc and basically keep the existing frame and build around it. This would be a lot cheaper than upgrading an entire bike but is the T3 frame worth upgrading on?

I'd rather option B as the expenditure is gradual and i'd be making a decent bike whilst spending less than upgrading whole-sale. However, whether the improvements of this is comparable with a second hand £600 bike or whatever is the question?

I really think it's a lot to do with the rider rather than the bike, but we all like a little extra help That said, the main focus of my improvements is me and just getting out riding.

Thoughts?
C

 

[smokeysmoo]

Upgrade the parts as you go, group-set, shifters etc etc and basically keep the existing frame and build around it. This would be a lot cheaper than upgrading an entire bike but is the T3 frame worth upgrading on?

^ this

The general consensus seems to be that the T3 frame is worth upgrading, so as long as you like the fir and the ride characteristics then this would be the way to go IMO.

As for how upgradeable the T3 frame is this is something only you can decide. There obviously comes a point when no frame is worth the potential upgrade costs, but people get attached to bikes, don't know why

I've just spent more on a 20 year Dawes doing a re-build than the bike cost. Will I ever re-coup that money? No, but I have no plans to ever sell it so over time it will even itself out.

So that's my tuppence worth, hope that all makes some sense

 

[Chescadence]

As for how upgradeable the T3 frame is this is something only you can decide. There obviously comes a point when no frame is worth the potential upgrade costs, but people get attached to bikes, don't know why

I definitely think the frame is well worth upgrading for a fair while yet, I like the position; I bought a 57cm because I preferred a slightly larger frame- this meant i have all the spacers are above the stem but I don't mind that. The 6cm drop from saddle to bars feels right for me and it rides great. There's plenty of things I can do:

1. Shifters upgrade and the pre-mentioned wheelset.
2. Crankset to a compact when I've had another season under my belt.
3. Groupset
4. Brakes and other little bits..

Food for thought, I like the gradual upgrading costs and the sort of sense of building the better bike rather than just buying it wholesale.

C

 

[Peteaud]

It depends how far you want to take the frame.

I see no reason not to upgrade, but only to a certain point of cost. There comes a point where a better new bike is the best option. If you love the T3 frame and plane never to sell it then option 1 is in your favour, but it will still be a T3 frame / bike.

 

[Chescadence]

It depends how far you want to take the frame.

I see no reason not to upgrade, but only to a certain point of cost. There comes a point where a better new bike is the best option. If you love the T3 frame and plane never to sell it then option 1 is in your favour, but it will still be a T3 frame / bike.

If I was to buy a shimano 105 groupset which is a definite step up that'd set me back about £400 + a new wheelset so say <£600.

It'd be tough buying a better bike for £600?

C

 

[smokeysmoo]

It'd be tough buying a better bike for £600?

You wouldn't get a new bike with 105 for £600, at least not legitimately, simple as that

 

[Peteaud]

If I was to buy a shimano 105 groupset which is a definite step up that'd set me back about £400 + a new wheelset so say <£600.

It'd be tough buying a better bike for £600?

C

Well there is your answer then.

 

[redcard]

Also need to remember any upgrades potentially won't increase any future resale value on the Triban. No one's going to pay more for a Triban with 105 group set.
I would just keep the Triban running, and put any money you have into a savings fund for a new bike.

 

[Chescadence]

Also need to remember any upgrades potentially won't increase any future resale value on the Triban. No one's going to pay more for a Triban with 105 group set.
I would just keep the Triban running, and put any money you have into a savings fund for a new bike.

I don't think I'd sell the T3; it'd probably just become my winter bike when/if I upgraded afterwards. Tough decision to make, don't want to upgrade anything this year until I've made my mind up really.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Also need to remember any upgrades potentially won't increase any future resale value on the Triban.

Agreed, I too mentioned this in post #2, but if the OP plans to keep the bike then it won't matter.

I've seen some right dogs over the years that have clearly been upgraded way beyond their potential value.

Strange what people value, wouldn't catch me spending £££'s on an old cheap BIKE, (see post #704)

 

[Rob3rt]

I am going to go against the grain and say, the frame is not worth significant upgrading, with higher end groupsets, the main benefits are weight savings and in some cases slicker shifting under load. I would only spend money on wheels and keeping the bike functional. It is not the heaviest, but it is definitely no lightweight, so saving weight on components will only have a small impact on total weight. The frame is not worth the expense of a 105 groupset IMO. It also doesn't really have any exceptional qualities, not to rubbish them, they are good bikes but there is a very simple reason they are so popular and it is not because it excels in performance terms, it is because it is a great value for money bike.

 

[Rob3rt]

IMO, £1k is the sweet spot, sadly this appears to be moving up toward about £1200 with some brands. So I would kind of recommend just saving the extra. But of course not everyone wants to sink a grand into a bike.

You will get great bikes for cheaper that will perform very well, I just base my opnion on the fact that at around £1k-1.2k you get the best compromise between frame and componentry based on my wants and needs in a bike. So as you can tell, this comment is biased toward what I would be looking for in a bike, I have not bothered to look around for other things.

 

[Chescadence]

IMO, £1k is the sweet spot, sadly this appears to be moving up toward about £1200 with some brands. So I would kind of recommend just saving the extra. But of course not everyone wants to sink a grand into a bike.

You will get great bikes for cheaper that will perform very well, I just base my opnion on the fact that at around £1k-1.2k you get the best compromise between frame and componentry based on my wants and needs in a bike. So as you can tell, this comment is biased toward what I would be looking for in a bike, I have not bothered to look around for other things.

Thanks Rob, Much appreciated!

Plenty of food for thought there; there is no immediate plans for a good few months but I need to work things out before spending unnecessary money etc. Plenty of time to look around and have a good think..

C

 

[Chescadence]

The main advantage with waiting and getting a bike is that you have two bikes and thus your new bike will only be used in better conditions/not for winter or commuting and will last longer without need of replacement components.

hmm...all these choices

 

[Rob3rt]

TBH, if you are new to cycling, without trawling back through your posts, I am going to assume you are relatively new to it (correct me if I am wrong), I would say, just try to ride and forget kit as much as you can. It is easy to get sucked into upgrading, the temptation to go one step up will always be there, so it is best to enjoy what you have and wait. You will realise with time what is most important to you, so when you do need/want to upgrade you know exactly what will suit your needs and wants.